1. Joubert Playing by Different Scrum Rules

Twice in the first half Ireland made a dog’s breakfast of Scotland’s scrum, and twice referee Craig Joubert allowed Scotland to get away with it.

The South African official simply let play carry on as Scotland’s front row were bulldozed and their pack splintered.

In the second half, he changed his tune and started to reward the dominant green eight after they had turned one put-in over that led to Jamie Heaslip’s try.

A bit of consistency wouldn't go amiss.

Prop forwards have already had to adapt their approach now that there is no genuine hit. With the change in instruction from referee to scrum half, seeing the "Yes, nine" call disappear, they are once again coping with yet more tinkering.

Joubert's performance at scrum time has done little to suggest we are going to see a massive upsurge in quick, clean scrummaging any time soon.

3. Irish Depth Looking Good

There was a time when it could be said of Ireland that their first XV was capable of beating anyone, but they lacked a strong enough supporting cast.

Now they have a greater depth to their pool of players, with the likes of Devin Toner growing into the green jersey in the second row, Andrew Trimble rediscovering his best form on the wing and his fellow Ulstermen Luke Marshall and Chris Henry stepping up to international level and looking comfortable there.

4. Sexton Shakes off Club Calamity

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Jonny Sexton hasn’t had the most enjoyable of times with Racing Metro.

But he looked in fine fettle back in the green of Ireland.

Sexton used the corners of the Aviva Stadium turf well, pinning Scotland down, and he slipped seamlessly into Joe Schmidt’s Leinster-based style, working his trademark wrap-around moves and distributing the ball to his runners well.